Types of yarns and fibres in artificial turf
The different types of artificial grass fibres, also called filaments or yarns, are used for the production of synthetic turf.
In this post, we tell you the details about one of the main components of synthetic grass.
The materials from which synthetic fibres are made are usually polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA).
Polyamide is mainly used as a supporting fibre in turf and synthetic grasses, it is unusual to see an artificial turf made of 100% polyamide for decorative and ornamental applications.
This is because it is a hard material, produces an unpleasant sound when you walk on it and tends to glow.
Polymer comparison.
Polyethylene is a softer and more durable material than polypropylene and is therefore the preferred material of all fibre and artificial grass.
The quality and price of the final product is largely determined by the various additives and the production process.
When artificial turf is new, differences in quality are often difficult to see with the naked eye.
That's why knowledge of the basic materials and production method is important when making a decision.
We detail below the 2 types of fibers most used for synthetic turf
The fibers are fibrillated.
In the production of fibrillated fibres, the material is pressed through an extrusion head.
This process is done to obtain a thin film.
Next, small notches are made, resulting in a honeycomb-like fiber when this film is stretched.
The disadvantage of fibrillated fibres is that their appearance in artificial turf is far from simulating the natural strands of a tepe or traditional grass.
This type of fibre is often less expensive and therefore frequently used for sports facilities.
On the other hand, there are the Monofilament Fibers, which are also pressed through the head of the extrusion machine and making thread from individual fibers (similar to spaghetti).
Usually, several fibers are combined and rolled up to produce a pile.
That is, 2, 3 and up to 4 fibers can be wound as if it were a three-phase cable to make the packages or rolls of threads that will later be woven into the artificial turf.
This package, forms the battery or handful of the grass.
Monofilament fibres or threads.
The monofilament fibres generally look more natural by replicating the shapes of natural grass strands.
Within the monofilament fibres, there is a great variety in the industry.
The geometric shapes designed and produced to achieve the best qualities of strength, aesthetics and smoothness stand out.
The level of pressure resistance, flexibility, smoothness and wear of a artificial turf will depend very much on the proportions of the fibres.
The shape and thickness of these products and the materials used to manufacture them are also important.
There are other factors and characteristics such as fiber densities, backing bases, pile heights or weaving systems.
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